Kentucky governor signs ‘Bitcoin Rights’ bill into law

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has signed a measure referred to as the “Bitcoin Rights” invoice, into legislation, enshrining protections for crypto customers, as two different US states’ Bitcoin reserve laws superior.

Crypto advocacy group the Satoshi Motion Fund stated in a March 24 assertion to X that Home Invoice 701 protects the “proper to self-custody, run a node, and use of digital property” with out “worry of discrimination.” 

First launched to the Kentucky Home by Rep Adam Bowling on Feb. 19, HB701’s description says it safeguards the suitable to make use of digital property and self-custody wallets and bans native zoning adjustments that discriminate in opposition to crypto mining. 

On the identical time, the laws offers pointers for working a crypto node, excludes crypto mining from cash transmitter license necessities, and specifies that mining and staking are usually not thought-about providing or promoting a safety.

The invoice handed Kentucky’s Home of Representatives on Feb. 28, with all 91 representatives voting in favor, and handed the state Senate on March 13, with all 37 senators voting in favor. It was then signed into legislation by Beshear on March 24. 

The laws mirrors related laws signed into legislation by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in Might 2024. 

Kentucky has additionally launched a invoice to determine a Bitcoin reserve, permitting the State Funding Fee to allocate as much as 10% of extra state reserves into digital property, together with Bitcoin (BTC); the invoice continues to be beneath evaluate. 

Different Bitcoin reserve payments transfer ahead

In the meantime, Oklahoma’s Home Invoice 1203 (HB 1203), referred to as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, has handed the State Home of Representatives 77 to fifteen, in accordance with the crypto advocacy group, the Oklahoma Bitcoin Affiliation.

The invoice was launched to the Oklahoma Home of Representatives on Jan. 15 by state Consultant Cody Maynard and handed the Authorities Oversight Committee with a 12–2 vote on Feb. 25. 

Associated: Crypto payments stack up throughout the US, from Bitcoin reserves to process forces

It should now move by way of the Senate earlier than the Oklahoma governor can veto or signal the invoice into legislation. Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers additionally filed laws on Jan. 8 that may enable residents within the state to obtain salaries in Bitcoin. 

Bitcoin laws tracker group Bitcoin Legal guidelines stated in a March 24 X publish that Oklahoma has now moved into equal second place with Texas within the State Bitcoin reserve race.

Arizona stays within the lead after two strategic digital asset reserve payments cleared Arizona’s Home Guidelines Committee on March 24 and headed to the Home flooring for a full vote.

Bitcoin Legal guidelines speculates that as a result of Republicans dominate the Oklahoma Senate and the governor is Republican, the invoice “has a very good likelihood to move into legislation.” 

Missouri’s Particular Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs can be within the strategy of evaluating the state’s Bitcoin reserve invoice, in accordance with Bitcoin Legal guidelines.

Journal: How crypto legal guidelines are altering internationally in 2025